Laboratory Activity 2

COLLOIDS & ITS PROPERTIES

Group X
Group Representative
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Laboratory Report Rating

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Observations
Questions for Research
Conclusion
References
Documentation
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 Laboratory Activity 2
COLLOIDS & ITS PROPERTIES

I. Introduction
Colloids are systems that consist of two phases, the continuous phase
(dispersion medium) and the discontinuous phase (dispersed phase).

Colloidal systems contain particles larger than solute particles of a true solution.
Hence it may appear homogeneous to the naked eyed but examination of a
colloid under the microscope will show particle movement called Brownian
movement. When subjected to a beam of light in a darkened room, colloids show
Tyndall effect. Milk is an example of a liquid colloidal system. It contains casein
(the protein in milk) which contains negative charges on the particle surface.

These charges prevent the particles from coalescing. When acetic acid is added
to milk, the H+ released by the acid neutralizes the negative charges on the
particle surface, causing the particles to aggregate and form a curd. An
appreciation of the different properties of colloids helps in understanding the
chemistry of proteins, food, enzymes, medicines, and fats. Colloids play an
important role in digestion, metabolism and almost all phases of physiological
processes.

II. Object
To determine the properties of colloids and how they function in physiological
systems.

III. Materials Required

0.1 M CuSO4 0.04 M AgNO3
10% Skim Milk Mixture 0.01 M AgNO3
3 M HAc 1% Gelatin
0.2 M K2Cr2O7 Test tubes
0.02 M K2Cr2O7 Dialysis tubes

IV. Procedure
1. Prepare the following mixtures indicated below, using three test tubes.
Tube CuSO4 Skim Milk 3 M HAc
1 4 ml
2 4 ml
 3 4 ml 1 ml

In which tube is there evidence of curd-formation?

Observation:
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2. Filter the contents of each tube separately.

Which particles are large enough to be retained by the filter paper?
Observation:
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3. Transfer the filtrates from test tubes 1 and 2 into separate dialysis bags. Tie
off the bags and rinse well with water. Set up in separate beakers of
deionized water. Stand for about 1 hour. Observe if the solute particles will
pass through. Passage of copper ions can be detected by the presence of a
blue color outside the dialysis bag, passage of skim milk particles can be
detected by turbidity outside the dialysis bag. Hold beaker 1 and 2 against
the light and compare the appearance of CuSO 4 and the skim milk solutions.
Explain the difference in appearance.
Observation:
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4. Formation of a protective colloid. Mix 10 drops of 0.2 M K 2Cr2O7, 4 mL

distilled water, and 10 drops of 0.04 M AgNO3 in a test tube. Set aside for 30
minutes.
Observation:
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5. In another test tube, mix 10 drops of 0.02 M K 2Cr2O7, 1 mL of gelatin solution,

and shake well. Add 10 drops of 0.01 M AgNO3, and set aside for 30 minutes.
 Observation:
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6. What is the role of gelatin in this experiment? Define an emulsifying agent.

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V. Questions for Research
1. What is Brownian Movement?

2. What is Tyndall Effect?

3. What is a protective colloid?

VI. Conclusion

VII. References
DOCUMENTATION